Observatory: meaning, definitions and examples
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observatory
[ əbˈzɜːrvətɔːri ]
scientific facility
An observatory is a location or building equipped for observing celestial events, such as stars, planets, and other astronomical phenomena. These facilities often contain telescopes and other instruments that astronomers use to conduct research and gather data about the universe.
Synonyms
astronomical observatory, observing station, watchtower.
Examples of usage
- The observatory hosted an impressive telescope for stargazing.
- Many universities have their own observatory for research purposes.
- After sunset, the observatory opens to the public for night sky viewing.
Translations
Translations of the word "observatory" in other languages:
🇵🇹 observatório
🇮🇳 वेधशाला
🇩🇪 Observatorium
🇮🇩 observatorium
🇺🇦 обсерваторія
🇵🇱 obserwatorium
🇯🇵 天文台
🇫🇷 observatoire
🇪🇸 observatorio
🇹🇷 gözlemevi
🇰🇷 천문대
🇸🇦 مرصد
🇨🇿 observatoř
🇸🇰 observatórium
🇨🇳 天文台
🇸🇮 observatorij
🇮🇸 stjörnustöð
🇰🇿 обсерватория
🇬🇪 მოწვევა
🇦🇿 observatoriya
🇲🇽 observatorio
Etymology
The term 'observatory' originates from the Latin word 'observatorium', which means 'a place for observing'. Its use can be traced back to the late Renaissance period, when interest in astronomy grew significantly, leading to the establishment of dedicated buildings for stargazing and celestial studies. The earliest observatories were often built by wealthy patrons or institutions seeking to advance scientific knowledge. With the development of telescopes and other scientific equipment, observatories played a crucial role in the discovery of various astronomical phenomena. Over time, observatories have evolved to incorporate modern technology, allowing for more advanced observations of the universe, while still holding on to their historical roots in the pursuit of knowledge about the stars and planets.